San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1887-04-27

istence. Your villa has become 50 much
of home to me that presume to take
personal interest in your private af-
fairs"
L. C.-~That is the sibtlest form for
a compliment. How | wish the day
were overland the night, for thai mat
ter
C.B.-~Thanks to the duke, the night
will not be over until the symphony has
been given. How well ii went ut re-
hearsal to-day. Did you not toll me the
pdStordle came to you in that lovely spot
in the mountains we visited last year,
II
Lord Castlef0rt and his mother. hav-
ing no immediate ties in England, pass
ed their winters in Naples. They had
secured the villa of an Italian count,
whom reversed fortune had driven into
the lodge of the estate, where he lived
with his daughter and a couple G old
family servants.
Lord Castlefort was wealthy. cult
waited, of Gne musical ability and Of UNI
exceptional family. He had the GlirCe
of the best musical circles of Naples,
and intercourse with the leading ltal-
ian composers had taken from his music
much of its Gothic sombreness. When,
however, he wished to produce the SYM
phony he had written he found himself
confronted by difficulties upon every
hand. unsupported obstacles Sprang
up on every side, and he learned how
bitter ON be the spirit of Italian jeal.
Ousy. Many who had been his friends
became his avOwed OppOsers, and he
had but too good reason TO believe those
more dangerous still who continued the
outward show of sympathy. The con-
fiict, for conflict it at last became, was
waged with much bitterness upon both
sides, and the composer was almost i'll
despair when help came from an uneX-
pected quarter.
Diplomatic business brought to Ma
Piles the Venetian Duke di MOcCiTi,
whose acquaintance Lord Castlefort
had made in Paris some years previous.
The duke professed much admiration
for the Enghshman'S music and friend
ship for its author which the Latter Vas
far from reciprOcating. The dukes rep
utation was none of the best, and Cas-
tlefOrt suspected that his batteries were
not wholly disinterested. He knew the
Venetian was anxious to he considered
the patron of art, and that nothing so
flatteTed his pride as dediCatiOns from
artists of merit in whatever department.
AS for his HighnesS's reputation as
proficient in the black art, which i'll the
broad sunlight Of the nineteenth CEN
tury noon made the supdsstitiOuS Nea-
pOlitan lazdOrOni cross themselves at
sight of him, ME sturdy Emglishman
naturally laughed that to seon.
When the duke offered to overcome
the difficulties which prevented the pro-
ductiOn of the symphony ON condition
that it should be dedicated To him, Lord
CastlefOrt scarcely listened. The au-
thor had promised himself the pleasure
of dedicating it to Count Brogni, and
did not willingly abandon his intention.
AS difficulties Increased. however, the
united solicitations of his mother and of
Brogni himself prevailed, and the sym
phony was dedicated to the Duke di
NOcciri.
As if by magic all difficulties melted
away, and upon the evening of the day
upon which the conversation, recorded
above took place, the symphony was
and despite the opposition which was
expected, the work was most enthusi-
aStically received. The symphony had
been placed last upon the concert pro-
gramme, and as quickly as possible aft
er it's conclusion, Lord CaStlefOrt es-
capped frOR the congratulations which
were now heaped upon him, and drove
rapidly home.
When he and his mother reached the
villa they were met with the infOrma-
tiOp that a young lady had just arrived.
TT is Nile. StOccati," said Lady Cas-
tlefOrt. 81 did not expect hes until to-
morrow; but she is welcome at any
time"